CHAPTER DISCUSSION: Chapter 21, The Eye of the Snake

Sat Jun 26 20:01:35 UTC 2004

No: HPFGUIDX 102932

Chapter 21 Summary -- The Eye of the Snake

Ron and Harry, buried in homework, try to study in the Gryffindor
common room while ignoring the revelry outside. Hermione returns from
Hagrid's hut, having tried to help him with his lesson plans.

The Gryffs and Slyths arrive for Hagrid's first day back with some
trepidation, especially since Hagrid has a slab of raw meat slung over
his shoulder as he leads them into a dark section of the forest.
Hagrid drops the meat, emits a 'shrieking cry' or two, then waits.
Soon, a few thestrals emerge from the forest to eat the meat. Harry is
pleased to see that two other students can see the thestrals: Neville
and 'a stringy Slytherin boy.' A terrified Parvati, though she can't
see them, insists that they're bad luck, according to Trelawney.
Hagrid says 'tha's jus' superstition, that is, they aren' unlucky,
they're dead clever an' useful!' He calls on Hermione to explain that
'the only people who can see Thestrals are people who have seen death.'

Umbridge announces her presence in the usual way, and Hagrid at first
wonders if the curious 'hem hem' came from a Thestral. Umbridge Speaks
Loudly And Slowly to Hagrid, using big gestures. Hagrid answers in
kind, and Umbridge notes it as Utter Stupidity while Hermione fumes
under her breath. The exchange between Hagrid and Umbridge would be
totally hilarious were it not for the dire nature of the situation.
(As it stands, the scene is only extremely funny.)

December arrives, the homework piles on, and the prefects find
themselves with extra duties. For the first time, Harry wishes he
could spend Christmas *away* from Hogwarts. Ron finally remembers to
tell Harry that he's invited to The Burrow for Christmas.

At the last DA meeting before the holidays, Dobby decorates the Room
of Requirement with Harry-faced ornaments and mistletoe. Angelina,
Katie, and Alicia announce that Ginny is the new Seeker, and Andrew
Kirke and Jack Sloper the new Beaters. They practice Impedimenta and
Stunning.

Cho hangs behind after everyone but Harry leaves. She begins to weep
and talk about Cedric. They find themselves under the mistletoe, and
before Harry knows it, the paragraph ends with an ellipsis, followed
by an asterisk.

Harry returns to the Common Room a half-hour later. Hermione figures
out that Harry just got kissed. Ron is psyched; Harry is in some weird
orbit -- or not. Hermione tries to explain Cho's state of mind, which
leaves both Harry and Ron profoundly confused. Hermione writes to
Krum, and Ron sulks.

They retire for the night. Harry begins to dream about a jumbled
version of the day's events. Then the dream abruptly shifts: Harry is
a snake gliding toward a seated man. Snake!Harry attacks the man,
biting him. Harry's scar burns white hot.

Harry is awakened by Ron's shouting. He vomits in reaction to the
pain. Ron tells him it was just a dream, but Harry insists it's not.
He tells McGonagall that Arthur was attacked. She believes him, and
they're off to Dumbledore's office.

1. How is the following passage emblematic of the relationship between
Ron and the twins?

'Oi!' bellowed Ron, finally losing patience and sticking his head out
of the window, 'I am a prefect and if one more snowball hits this
window -- OUCH!'

He withdrew his head sharply, his face covered in snow.

'It's Fred & George,' he said bitterly, slamming the window behind
him. 'Gits ...'

2. Is it significant that the first Thestral appears between two yew
trees?

3. If Harry saw Cedric die, why didn't he see the Thestrals at the end
of GoF? Just kidding!!  See the OoP FAQ for the answer.

4. JKR very deliberately prevents Hagrid from naming the 'stringy
Slytherin boy.' Who could he be and why keep his name secret? (And
don't say it's that kid from
That-Which-Should-Be-Discussed-On-HPFGU-Movie, because we don't know
who *he* is, either.)

5. Why might Ron have forgotten to tell Harry that he was invited to
The Burrow for Christmas?  Why does Hermione roll her eyes?

6. Is it significant that Luna points out the mistletoe to Harry?

7. Cho turns on the waterworks and the Cedric-talk as a way to bust a
move on Harry. What in sam hill is she thinking? Does Hermione explain
it correctly?

8. Why oh why does the kiss take place off stage? How could JKR *do*
this to me?

9. Why is Harry so sure he wasn't just dreaming about the snake? Why
does McGonagall so readily believe him?

10. How can we readers tell that the snake vision is not just a dream?

11. Snake!Harry can 'see objects around him shimmering in strange,
vibrant colours.' Why?

12. 'Harry longed to bite the man ... but he must master the impulse
... he had more important work to do ...' What work?

13. Is this the first time Voldemort knows the Order is guarding the
Prophecy?

14. What do we learn here about the limits of Invisibility Cloaks?

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